Unraveling Cedric’s Heritage

Cedric is a distinguished male name of Germanic origin. It derives from the elements ‘kead’ meaning ‘credit, loyal’ and ‘ric’ meaning ‘power, ruler.’ Therefore, Cedric essentially signifies a ‘man of credit’ or ‘powerful ruler.’ The name enjoyed considerable popularity in medieval England, particularly during the Anglo-Saxon period, and was famously associated with the character Cedric the Artful in Sir Walter Scott’s novel *Ivanhoe*, further solidifying its literary resonance.

Pronunciation Guide

IPA: /ˈsedrɪk/

Phonetic: SED-rik

Gender Identity

male

Nicknames & Diminutives

Notable Cedric’s

  • Cedric Vocation — American actor
  • Cedric Burnside — American blues musician

Cultural & Historical Context

Cedric’s popularity peaked in England during the Middle Ages, reflecting the values of loyalty and leadership prevalent at the time. It is associated with nobility and strength. While not as common today as it once was, Cedric retains a classic and sophisticated appeal.

Geographic Distribution

Cedric has historically been most common in England and other parts of Europe influenced by Germanic cultures. It is also found in North America, particularly among communities with European heritage. Its usage remains relatively consistent across these regions.

Names with Similar Connotations

Quick FAQs

Is Cedric a biblical name?

No, Cedric is not a biblical name; its origin lies in Germanic history.

What does Cedric mean?

It means ‘man of credit’ or ‘powerful ruler’.